october specials - Southbridge Evening News

Friday, October 1, 2010
• SPENCER NEW LEADER 15
Effort starts to ‘Save the Train Depot’ in E. Brookfield
DEPOT
continued from page 1
Officials said they have not
determined if arson is
involved.
The depot is a classic
example of Richardson
Romanesque architecture,
designed by the esteemed
Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge,
officials said. The granite
and brick facade was covered
by a massive slate roof,
which collapsed into the
building during the fire.
Lambert said the group
hoping to “save” the building
would include railroad
enthusiasts, architects and
East Brookfield residents
who want to help keep the
history alive. That group
would be willing to move the
building, brick by brick, and
rebuild it.
“We’re looking for support
more than anything,” said
East Brookfield resident
Heather Messier, adding that
once complete, the building
could be used as a store, for
offices, or even as a new
Senior Center. “Even if it
can’t be rebuilt, at least salvage
something. It means a
lot to a lot of people.”
She and Lambert said they
understand that getting the
property from CSX would be
the first of many steps to
make the project happen.
“We know it would take
years,” Lambert said.
“Maybe when our kids are
grown, they’ll see it.”
Selectmen Chairman Leo
Fayard cautioned the group
that CSX might want to clear
the site as soon as possible.
“I think the problem with
CSX is that they just don’t
want people on their property
so close to the tracks,”
Fayard said. “But maybe
under the circumstances it’ll
be different.”
Building Inspector John
Couture said that because
the building was abandoned
and properly boarded up —
and because it is privately
owned — it was not subject to
regular inspections by his
department, nor in violation
of any codes.
“There’s no law against
sticking things in a building,
as long as it’s not gasoline or
anything like that,” he said.
“It was an old abandoned
building, and it was
secured.”
Couture said that as sad as
he is to admit it, he doesn’t
think the building is salvageable.
“I would say that structure
is totally gone — even the
integrity of the stone,” he
said.
Fayard said it’s depressing
to see such a beautiful, historic
building destroyed.
“I can’t even look over at
that side when I go over the
bridge,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Former highway barn
could be used by CSX
EAST BROOKFIELD — The CSX railroad company
may want to use the old Town Barn on Stevens Road as its
new site for storing railroad signals and other equipment,
said Building Inspector John Couture.
Couture told the Board of Selectmen he was contacted
by a member of CSX who asked if about the old building’s
availability. The old train depot, which used to house the
railroad equipment, was destroyed in a Sept. 18 fire.
The old Town Barn, on Stevens Road, was bought by the
town in 1941 and is in poor condition. It was used until
earlier this year, when the highway and other town
department moved to the new Department of Public
Works building, the former Verizon building on Route 9.
Selectmen said they would be willing to discuss the
matter with CSX.
The appeal of apples
HINT
continued from page 12
COFFEE CIDER
Apple cider is at its best this time of year,
and coffee cider merges the fresh New
England cider taste with classic coffee. This
hot drink is a favorite at fall get-togethers.
Here’s how you can make it easily in your
drip coffee maker: Place 1/4 cup of coffee
grounds and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
into the brew basket of coffee maker. Then
place 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey and 1 cup
of apple cider in the bottom of the pot. Add 3
cups cold water to the coffee maker and brew.
When brewing cycle is complete, stir until
well mixed. Serve in mugs with cinnamon
sticks. A quick note: The glass pot and brewing
basket may require a little more cleaning
after this recipe, but it’s worth it!
GUILT-FREE BAKED APPLES
On a diet? You can indulge in this sweet
treat — sans the guilt!
core, leaving about an inch at the bottom.
Mix together cinnamon and about a cup of
granulated sugar substitute to taste. Arrange
apples in a glass baking dish. Fill each apple
with the cinnamon mixture. Add a dot of butter
or butter alternative to each apple.
Sprinkle raisins on top. Pour about 1/2 cup of
hot water into the bottom of the pan. Cover
loosely with tinfoil and bake for about 45
minutes or until apples are softened but not
overcooked.
Note: New England apples popular for baking
include Cortland, Rome, Jonagold, Gala,
Golden Delicious, Northern Spy, Ida Red and
Braeburn.
SHRUNKEN APPLE HEADS
Made from apples, these hideous heads are
sure to be the hit of your Halloween party!
Materials: whole apples, whole cloves, rice,
lemon juice, salt.
Instructions: Peel a large apple and brush
with a mixture of lemon juice and a couple of
teaspoons of salt to prevent browning. Use a
vegetable peeler or sharp knife to carve out
eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Don’t be too fussy,
as details won’t show once the apple has
dried. Some suggestions: Poke whole cloves
in eye sockets; place raw rice in the mouth for
teeth. Allow apples to dry in a warm, dry
place for two weeks. To expedite the drying
process, place apples in the oven at lowest
temperature for several hours, then allow to
sit at room temperature for a few days. Shape
the faces as they shrink and harden.
WIN DINNER FOR TWO AT THE PUBLICK
HOUSE
Your tips can win you a great dinner for
two at the historic Publick House Historic
Inn in Sturbridge! Simply send in a hint to be
entered into a random drawing. One winner
per month will win a fabulous dinner for two
(a $60 value) at the renowned restaurant,
located on Route 131 across the town common
in historic Sturbridge. Because I’m in the
business of dispensing tips, not inventing
them (although I can take credit for some),
I’m counting on you readers out there to
share your best helpful hints!
Do you have a helpful hint or handy tip that
has worked for you? Do you have a question
regarding household or garden matters? If so,
why not share them with readers of the
Spencer New Leader? Send questions and/or
hints to: “Take the Hint!”, c/o the Spencer New
Leader, 25 Elm St., Southbridge, MA 01550. Or
e-mail KDRR@aol.com. Hints are entered into
a drawing for dinner for two at the historic
Publick House Inn.
For more great hints, tune into “Take the
Hint!” one-minute snippet tips aired twice
daily on WORC-FM Oldies 98.9. And for more
tips and talk, be sure to listen to my live hourlong
show that runs from 9-10 a.m. each
Friday on WARE-AM 1250.
Ingredients: Six
firm apples; granulated
sugar substitute;
raisins; butter
(optional)
Directions; Preheat
oven to 350 degrees.
Peel six apples and
Call Us
At 3AM!
Call our “Sound
Off” line 24 hours
a day to get your
comments in the
paper.
We’d Love To Hear From You!
(508)909-4078